The U.S. is now monitoring BA.2.87.1, a new SARS-CoV-2 variant with more than 30 changes in the coronavirus spike protein.
Here are five things to know about the variant, according to a Feb. 9 CDC update:
1. This variant has nine confirmed cases in the Republic of South Africa, and these infections came from specimens collected between September and December. Information on the viruses were then published on a database Jan. 31.
2. There have been no confirmed BA.2.87.1 cases in the U.S. or anywhere outside of South Africa. The CDC is monitoring sequences from patient cases and wastewater.
3. Because there have only been nine detected cases in one country, the variant "does not appear to be highly transmissible — at least so far," the CDC said. The current public health risk is low.
4. The agency began closely tracking BA.2.87.1 because it has more than 30 changes in the spike protein when compared to XBB.1.5. In the past year, many variants have had significant changes in their spike protein but have not affected the efficacy of vaccines, therapies and tests.
Another variant with more than 30 mutations, BA.2.86, spread slowly. But one of its mutations, JN.1, quickly became the dominant variant around the world. It now accounts for more than 90% of U.S. COVID-19 infections.
5. In the Republic of South Africa, there was no detectable increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, indicating BA.2.87.1 is not highly more severe than other strains.